Wednesday 17 December 2014

Moving On


It doesn't happen suddenly.

It's like the infinitesimal dy/dx changes in Calculus that imperceptibly move the direction of the curve. Your world of three dimensions is beautiful until that dread fourth dimension of time comes along and erodes the perfection on every level. What looked so desirable now appears faded and lacklustre. Your constant companion that you have cherished and lavished affection on for years has changed.

It's a funny thing about relationships. What used to be intuitive sympatico - just knowing what the other wanted or was thinking - has become so much more confused and complex. A synergistic relationship has turned into one which is unbalanced and unsatisfactory. The grass on the other side appears lush and promising.

So today I'm moving on.

Yes, this morning my new Google Nexus 5 arrives and my romance with iPhone is over. 

Like a lot of relationships we have partially split over money. Six Hundred and Twenty Quid for a new iPhone 6 with sufficient memory (32 Gb) is what would be described in olden days parlance as "taking the piss" (excuse my French). Plus the clarity and beauty of the iPhone concept has been gradually ground away by the proliferation of Apple's range from iPhone 4S, 5S, 6, 6Plus, iPod Touch, iPad Mini, iPad Air through to desktops and laptops. Apple have tried to make their software seamlessly integrate all these different screen sizes which has led to compromise and complexity where once was beautiful simplicity.

Why, for example, has Apple joined the clamour for larger screens and hand-held devices that are too large for the hand and pocket devices too large for the pocket?  They have gone, it seems, from focus to focus group. When Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1996 to save it from looming bankruptcy one of the first things he did was cancel about three quarters of the new product schedule and focus all resources on clear, simple but hugely demanding product goals. In 1997 he said: "People think focus means saying yes to the thing you've got to focus on. But that's not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I'm actually as proud of the things we haven't done as the things I have done. Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things."

Anyway my Google Nexus cost less than half a new iPhone. I'll let you know whether I'm happy in my new relationship or sheepishly returning to my ex with a bunch of flowers from the garage and a list of excuses.

9 comments:

Nota Bene said...

The ghost of Steve Jobs is saying, 'Yep, don't blame you mate'

Martin said...

I hear you, Rog, but I'm remaining faithful for a while longer yet.

savannah said...

the only reason i'm sticking with my current iPhone5 is because it works! when it dies, i'll join the MITM and get an android phone! xoxoxoxo

Anonymous said...

No doubt you're right but I don't understand the world of new technology. I'm remaining faithful to my 'clockwork' model of a mobile phone that doesn't even take photos - but it only cost 15 quid.

Paul said...

I've always thought that the iPhone thing was a bit Emperor's New Clothes. Android always offers better value for money. My Moto G is a pretty good phone

Rog said...

Nota: You had one Jobs....

Martin :, It's a gated community!, Break out!

Sav:: Come on over!

Sablon:*How quaintly Medieval!

Paul:: I was one of Apple's biggest fans but they simply aren't offering sufficient product differentiation to justify the ridiculous mark UK

Z said...

I bought Russell an HTC a few years ago and we both loathed it: after that I passed on my old iPhones when I bought a new one. I'm not impressed by the 6 though, like Sav, I'll stick with the phone I've got for as long as possible and then see what happens.

Roses said...

I agree, the iPhone 6 is a big pile of poo. I'm unimpressed by the large screen.

I have an iPhone 5c and I'll drive it until it falls apart.

After that...I have no idea.

Anonymous said...

Very happy with my Nokia 735, but then I have always been a little eccentric in some folks eyes....... I-phones are a huge rip off!